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Often motorist do something that makes me wish they had stayed at home, but they also frequently do nice things too. Like slowing down to let me in to the lane, or making sure that they overtake with plenty of room etc...

Is there an unambiguous gesture that means "thank you"? I don't want to confuse people about my intentions (by using a gesture that could be interpreted as something else) but it would be nice to show appreciation.

Jekowl
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    A simple smile and wave should be fine, although local customs vary around the world, so depending on where you live, you might have to switch it up. Based on the rarity at which motorists are nice, I would copy down their license plate, use it to track down their address, and send them a thank you card. – Kibbee Jan 29 '15 at 12:01
  • I don't think you'll get a universal answer - it will depend on the country, hence the comment. At least round here in the UK raising a hand slightly seems to work - a driver might lift a hand on the steering wheel (with or without letting go), a motorcyclist might use their left (closer) hand to thank a driver that tucked in to let them overtake easily, and if an oncoming car gives me a narrow stretch of road 1st when I'm riding (happens most days and I'm only doing 2km/day at the moment) I'll normally just open my right hand from its normal brake-covering position. A polite smile helps. – Chris H Jan 29 '15 at 12:02
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    @Kibbee if anyone can use a license plate to track down a passing vehicle that sounds rather intrusive. – Chris H Jan 29 '15 at 12:03
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    Can't beat a thumbs up. – Mark W Jan 29 '15 at 12:09
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    @Kibbee You can't use license plates to track people down in the US. Only the police and the motor vehicles department can look up license plate numbers. – Carey Gregory Jan 29 '15 at 15:11
  • Drivers sometimes use a headlight flash to thank each other, but I haven't seen a bike light with an easy to control flash. – bdsl Jan 29 '15 at 15:24
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    IIRC, a thumbs up is an offensive gesture in the middle east. – Batman Jan 29 '15 at 16:26
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    Any gesture you do might be considered sarcastic by the wrong person, so be safe. Also, the comment about the license plate was a joke. – Kibbee Jan 29 '15 at 17:13
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    @bdsl In the dark I have a headtorch as well as my front light (good on bends and easily dipped when you've already got the main light dipped and need to see where you're going). It's quite nice for being able to nod when it's too dark for a gesture to be seen. – Chris H Jan 29 '15 at 19:19
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    I waive my right hand, when there's more time I sometimes put up my thumb. – Christine Jan 03 '23 at 15:14

6 Answers6

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I use a sort of wave, raising my hand but with no movement in it (so not a 'Hey buddy' or 'I need help' side to side movement).... it works on my bicycle, on my motorcycle, and while driving a vehicle. It's got somewhat of a dual purpose: acknowledgement that I did something wrong, and/or 'thanks for letting me in' gratitude gesture.

This is the same gesture I seem to get from many other people. There's no side/side or waving motion (would be more like "Hi!"), just a hand up, fingers together, "Thanks/Sorry".

Ehryk
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  • I also answered this in a similar (but different) question here http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/10083/what-is-the-hand-gesture-for-im-sorry – Ehryk Jan 29 '15 at 17:51
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A polite nod, wave or smile usually suffices.

It doesn't need to be much, where I live in the UK raising one or two fingers from the steering wheel is plenty when driving. Not sure about down south, I've heard it's a fairly local thing, but I don't imagine it being too different.

alex
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This would generally come down to you locality as some cultures would consider certain gestures rude. I guess there isn't a universal sign for thank you, but in most cultures I think a wave of the hand (more of a raise the hand and show the palm slightly) with a courteous smile or nod would do the trick.

I tend to vary between a wave of the hand or a thumbs up followed by a wave of the hand. A smile always tends to convey gratitude, but that depends on whether you can be seen clearly or not.

Michael
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One thing we do in France is to take off one of your legs from the pedal and put it on the side (usually your leg on the side of the motorist you want to thank). Which looks a little like this : thank you

The fact that you take the time to do it and stop a little your effort by taking off your feet from the pedal is usually well considered by motorists.

Loufylouf
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  • That's true for motorcycles. But have you seen this gesture done by bicylists too ? – Gyom Feb 02 '15 at 18:46
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    This is also done in Catalonia when the motorist doesn't see the hands (is behind you) or you can not have your hands out of the handlebar to make the V sign, for example, when turning. However, it's not very practical for cyclists as they should unclip their foot from the pedal and would loose momentum. – Narcís Calvet Feb 03 '15 at 18:22
  • Fascinating how different cultures express and interpret. If I saw this on the road, I'd guess the rider is making like a dog and making a urinating gesture. – Criggie Jan 03 '23 at 20:47
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Motorists (I'm both a cyclist and motorist) use to salute with each other making a "V" sign with the index and middle fingers of the hand with the palm forward. At least it's that way in southern Europe, don't know in other parts of the world. They would understand that with as a symbol of empathy to them.

Narcís Calvet
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I show the palm facing the driver. This also means "stop" but yes, please do not drive on me while I am using your courtesy now (is Switzerland some drivers are so careful they give you priority regardless of the traffic code that would otherwise apply).

A summary of than you signals can be found in this New York Times article.

nightrider
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